Information system, IT tools, downloads and reminder of best practices

During the lockdown period, the Institut Pasteur was the victim of an information security attack caused by the download of pirated, non-professional software.

The software, which turned out to be malware, led to a risk of our IT system being compromised and required the concerted efforts of the information systems security teams and the Information Systems Department for several days. The risk was ultimately averted without causing any direct harm to the Institut Pasteur's research activities.
We would remind all staff of the professional nature of the working tools they are provided with. It is important that everyone plays their part in safeguarding the Institut Pasteur's information systems resources and using them properly.

Although we accept the prudent use of private computers on a temporary basis, this clearly does not apply to downloading films or installing video games that are likely to have been pirated.
It is vital that we comply with intellectual property rights, especially when it comes to using licensed software.

We would remind you that under the IT Charter, damaging or jeopardizing the Institut Pasteur's information systems by means of a deliberate act may lead to disciplinary sanctions.

We all need to be vigilant when it comes to the software, tools, source codes and documents we download and the sites we download them from.

If you are not sure, contact rssi@pasteur.fr